The University of Arizona Uses Digital Traces to Help Potential Dropouts

The University of Arizona is hoping to lower the rate at which its students dropout by implementing a new university student card that digitally tracks individuals, and predicts who's most likely to dropout.

The card features embedded sensors that record each time a student enters a university facility, like the dining hall, a classroom, the library or a residence. According to the university's data, students that are likely to dropout have smaller social circles and lack a routine. Every quarter, researchers present teachers with a list of students who are most likely to dropout. The university hopes that providing this information to teachers would lead to an increased number in students receiving support from an academic adviser.